Matt Zoller Seitz is one of the most esteemed film writers around and this video essay is proof why. Manhunter was ahead of its time in 1985 and Seitz analyzes the commonality that figures like Will Graham (William Peterson) and the Tooth Fairy (Tom Noonan) share despite being diametrically opposed. This essay is revealing in how Mann uses visuals in Heat and Miami Vice to creating mirrored images in the lawmen and criminals that so frequently occupy the universe that Michael Mann operates in. Don’t take my word for it, though, watch for yourself.
This is the fourth in a five-part series of video essays on Michael Mann called “Zen Pulp” from the Moving Image Source. Part 1 can be viewed here; part 2 can be viewed here; part 3 can be viewed here; part 5 can be viewed here.
